University of Virginia Library


206

“LOST PARADISE”

SONNET

Cleansed by the embrace of woman, man may meet
Fearless the glances of the imperial sun.
The thrones of golden starland may be won
And all the souls of blossoms pure and sweet
May mix their delicate scents and softly fleet
Throughout the inmost fleshly frame of one
In whom a marvellous mystic work is done
By Her whose lips impassioned angels greet.
Pure from the arms of woman, man obtains
Right to the rapture of the Summer's breast
And in his arms the Summer's children rest,
Even all the blossoms of the hills and lanes.
Saved through the touch of woman, man regains
Lost Paradise, and his whole body is blest.
July 31, 1901.